Do people think anymore!??!?!!?

At A Glance Author +R@c! Contact [email protected] Artist Steve Filpansik Studio Consolidated Ink and Steel Location Flint, Michigan

This article is for everyone!!!

So I've noticed that piercings and tattoos have become a huge fad. I'm sure most everyone else has too. My problem with any Tom, Dick or Jane going to get that totally hip piercing or tattoo is the utter lack of research or any sort of information that they go into the procedure with. (Yes, any sort of body modifying experience that can physically or emotionally hurt you is a procedure!) It makes me wonder if these same people would have open-heart surgery without asking questions. Do they just walk into the first hospital they see and say, "Excuse me; I'd like to have surgery right now." It sounds nuts but it's the same thing!!!!!

Another form of research that these people should be doing is on the place that they're having the work done at and the person who is doing the work. I know that in my area there is a shop or two that doesn't ask for I.D. nor do they have the proper sterilization equipment and I doubt the knowledge of how to use it if they did. (I hardly think selling used tires and having snake cages in the waiting area is sanitary) Since these shops cater to underage clients they continue to stay in business. I know kids my age who have gotten flesh eating bacteria and Hepatitis from these places. You know why? Because they were so anxious to get mutilated that they didn't do their research or use common sense like good boys and girls. I'm terribly sorry folks but if you walk into a shop that doesn't look clean.... IT'S NOT CLEAN!!!!! Hello!?!?! Are you thinking?!?! Learn about autoclaves and proper procedures. Another pet peeve I have is letting your friends pierce you!! You think because some guy you know bought a $4 needle and boiled it that you're going to have a sterile piercing??? "Oh, but... but... he wears gloves!" Whopdie fricken do!! Ignore the fact that he hasn't taken a shower in about a year and that you're going to be pierced in the girls' bathroom at school. I must be wrong... your piercing will turn out super!!

I sort of feel that as a pierced person who generally knows what she's talking about it's my duty to help people who don't know. If someone starts talking to me about getting something pierced I will tell them everything that's good AND bad!! I usually refer them to BME or my piercer, Steve at Consolidated Ink and Steel in Flint, MI, if I don't know an answer to a question because I'm definitely not an expert. So, people who are modified and know what you're talking about, help the uninformed/-misinformed people out. Refer them to a good shop and encourage them to do research. All you people who plan on getting work done: ask questions!!! Even if you think they are dumb questions ask them anyway, ask lots of different people but most importantly ask the PROFESSIONAL that is doing your work. Be smart about getting work done. Don't do it on a spur of the moment kind of deal. Try and learn as much as you can. I know the artists feel better if you already know a little bit about what you're having done to your body. It is VERY serious! Here is a short checklist of things you should know or ask:

1. The shop/artist. (Do they have good referals? Ask to see pictures of past work. Ask about sterilization. etc.)

2. Procedure for your work. (How do they prepare you? What order are they going to do things in? etc.)

3. Sterilization. (Ask about what kinds of sterilization equipment they have if you can't see any?, Do they have prepackaged needles? Do they reuse clamps or forceps? Do they use gloves? Ask them how many times they change their gloves? etc.)

4. Certification. (Although it's not usually required: Do they have an American Red Cross certificate? Are they part of the A.P.P.{Association of Professional Piercers}. Do they have any other training? etc.)

5. Problems. (What can go wrong with your work? duh.)

6. Aftercare. (Some aftercare procedures are not universal. What should you do for your work? How long will it take to heal?)

These are only a few things that you should ask. If you have any other questions after your work is done it's best to go back to the person who did your work. This may be another trend but it's not like buying a new pair of shoes. It's your body! You have to live in it. I can't stress enough how serious this is. Please, everyone be smart about this stuff. Especially young teenagers, it's always best to wait if you're unsure.